“Speak” is a multi-media concert and dance piece inspired by the songs of artist Marla Mase's acclaimed album, Speak Deluxe. Combining live music, spoken word, dance and visual imagery, choreographer Adrienne Hurd melds contemporary and modern dance forms in this one of a kind show. Through Hurd's powerful portrayal of a woman's confinement, sexuality, body image, trauma, oppression and freedom, she celebrates the raw reality of the human condition as expressed through the eyes, bodies, and voices of women. Through the expressive movements of a troupe of seven dancers, each of whom has a distinct voice and tale in the mini-stories, the dancers will explore the archetypes that make up the idea of what it means to be a modern woman.

The music, co-written by Marla Mase and Tomás Doncker is an integral part of “Speak” and features elements of Rock-n-Roll with World Beat, Punk, Funk, Electronica, Reggae and Soul and will be performed live at each performance with both Mase and The Tomás Doncker Band.

Marla Mase is a writer/performer/producer/singer/songwriter from New York City. Her songs, a mix of World Beat, Spoken Word, Funk, R&B, Punk, Soul, and Classic Rock-n-Roll are infused with Global Soul, the signature sound of Tomás Doncker, her guitarist, co-writer and producer.

Tomás Doncker, a musician that has performed at SummerStage in 2012 with the production, Power of Trinity, has expanded his musical vision of “Global Soul” drawing influences from numerous musical sources, including East/West Africa and the Caribbean and fused them into something all his own.

Adrienne Hurd has performed in several Broadway shows and has also choreographed dance pieces for some of the world’s largest programs, such as The Ailey School Junior Division, Professional Performing Arts School, The United Arts Counsel, American Ballet Theatre summer intensives and Nomad Contemporary Ballet Company.

James Jankiewicz has been a filmmaker for over 20 years, having worked in all aspects of production and post-production. He is the founder of VideoBiopics, a full service production company dedicated to telling stories, and his background includes work on all kinds of films including features, corporate, sports, and the arts.

Sara Berg has been a director, producer, dramaturge and actor in theatre, radio, television and cabaret. She was Co-Artistic Director for the Titans Theatre Ensemble, and directed A Brief Night Out for Marla Mase and Tomás Doncker in 2012.